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Explore The Different Varieties of Coriander Seeds

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Ram Kadam
Explore The Different Varieties of Coriander Seeds

Summary 

Coriander is an annual condiment that is not frost-hardy. It grows up to 70cm high with lush branching and pinnate foliage similar to flat-leaved parsley. The coriander’s umbellate, white to pale pink blooms appear from June to August – they have much larger petals on the outside than in the centre. The flowers attract lots of useful insects. After pollination, peppercorn-sized, hemispherical, light brown grains form. From September, the coriander seeds can be gathered and dried for use as a spice. 

 

Coriander has many uses and is deemed one of the oldest therapeutic plants in the world. Here are our top tips on selecting varieties and how to use this aromatic herb. 

 

Coriander has more than just an incredible aroma, the flower is also a lovely addition to your garden.  

 

Coriander, furthermore known as cilantro in the US, is known and treasured around the world. We will introduce you to the best coriander types provided by coriander seed suppliers.  

 

Coriander: origin and characteristics 

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) belongs to the umbelliferae family (Apiaceae) so it is closely related to anise (Pimpinella anisum), parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and caraway (Carum carvi). The herb is furthermore known by a few other names including cilantro, Chinese parsley and dhania. Coriander has been used as a culinary herb, spice and therapeutic plant for thousands of years. The feathery herb is mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts and early biblical texts.  

 

The most aromatic varieties of coriander 

The coriander genus Coriandrum is made up of just three species, with just one, Coriandrum sativum, being cultivated commercially. Some coriander assortments provided by coriander seeds manufacturers in India have been specially cultivated with an emphasis on flavour or seed size: 

 

  • ‘Indian coriander’: annual coriander up to 70cm with extended seeds and sweeter flavour than many other varieties. Key ingredient in garam masala spice mix. 
  • ‘Jantar’: Nutty-tasting coriander with very glossy foliage and quite small but very aromatic seeds. Both the foliage and the fresh and dried seeds can be used. 
  • ‘Thüringer’: Old, German traditional assortment with good seed production. The plants reach a height of about 40cm. 

 

It’s not merely the dried or ground seeds that are a delectable addition to your cooking, the coriander leaves can furthermore be used. While the seeds have a spicy, woody taste, the leaves have a strong, earthy, fragrant aroma. There are now varieties on the market that have been specially cultivated for their leaves by coriander seeds exporters.  

 

  • ‘Caribe’: Coriander with an especially high leaf yield and a growth height of 40 to 60cm. 
  • ‘Confetti’: Coriander with finely spread out, dill-like foliage and a sweeter flavour than many other varieties. 
  • ‘Dwarf Lemon’: Compact maturing coriander medley up to 30cm with a lemony aroma. 
  • ‘Marino’: Coriander with vigorous leaf growth and spicy flavour. 
  • Mexican coriander (Eryngium foetidum), also called long coriander or cilantro, belongs to the Umbelliferae family too, but to a different genus than our common coriander. The elongated, tooth-edged leaves on the plants, which grow up to 30cm high, have a robust coriander aroma. Vietnamese coriander (Persicaria odorata) is similar in smell and taste but belongs to the Polygonaceae family so is not related to coriander. However, Vietnamese coriander has a clear advantage over cilantro: it is annually and husky to cool temperatures, although it should still be overwintered indoors. 

 

Resource Box 

At Vora Spice Mills LLP, our experts provide the best quality of such condiments that not only will give a delicious touch to your food but also take care of your health! 

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